Cardinals third baseman David Freese continued his post season tear by hitting a three run homer in the first inning off Missouri State alum Shaun Marcum who gave up four first inning runs as the Cardinals advance to the World Series by blowing out the Milwaukee Brewers 12-6.

La Russa and Freese on the win (1:03)

Marcum only lasted an inning as the team’s combined for a total of six home runs. Rafael Furcal and Albert Pujols also homered for St. Louis.

Cardinal starter Edwin Jackson only lasted two innings giving up four runs after being spotted leads of 4-0 and 5-1. The Brewers fought back with three in the second on homers by Rickie Weeks and Jonathon Lucroy.

Another four run outburst by the Cardinals in the third silenced the Miller Park crowd. Freese was the series’ X factor, hitting .545 against the Brewers.

More from La Russa and Pujols (:30)

The Cardinals will go for their franchise’s 11th World Series when they face the Texas Rangers who make a repeat trip to the Series looking for their franchise’s first title.

By not needing a game seven, that lines the rotation our perfectly for Chris Carpenter to get the ball in game one Wednesday night in St. Louis.